Adenovirus DNA replication in vitro is stimulated by RNA from uninfected HeLa cells

Abstract
Adenovirus DNA replication was studied in a partially reconstituted system consisting of purified viral proteins (DNA‐binding protein, precursor terminal protein and Ad DNA polymerase) and a nuclear extract from uninfected HeLa cells. Optimal DNA replication required the presence of a heat‐stable, ribonuclease‐sensitive fraction from the cytosol of uninfected cells. This fraction stimulated the initiation about 3‐fold and the replication of origin fragments 5–10‐fold. Sedimentation analysis indicated the presence of a fast‐sedimenting and a slow‐sedimenting component which complemented each other. At least part of the stimulation was caused by low‐molecular‐mass RNA.